Two Chinese vehicles have been chosen as finalists for the European Car of the Year 2024. They are BYD Seal and Volvo EX30. They will fight for the winning title with five other vehicles. The winner will be announced at the Geneva Motor Show on February 26.
As we have reported, seven Chinese vehicles became candidates for the Car of the Year in Europe 2024 with a 25% share among 28 contenders. The list of Chinese cars comprised BYD Atto 3 (Yuan Plus), BYD Han, BYD Dolphin, BYD Seal, Nio ET7, Smart #1, and Volvo EX30. However, only two Chinese vehicles made it to the list of finalists: BYD Seal and Volvo EX30.
Previously, we have explained why Smart #1 and Volvo EX30 are considered Chinese cars. Long story short, they stand on Chinese architecture (SEA) and use many Chinese components (batteries, e-motors), and a Chinese company (Geely Group) is responsible for the mass production of these models.
Right now, Chinese cars represent 28.5% of the final nominees. Other 28.5% belong to French cars. German, Korean, and Japanese vehicles each have 14.3%. The full list of finalists is as follows:
- BMW 5-series
- BYD Seal
- Kia EV9
- Peugeot E-3008/3008
- Renault Scenic
- Toyota C-HR
- Volvo EX30
Briefly on BYD Seal
BYD Seal is a mid-size electric sedan that follows the Ocean Aesthetics design language created by Wolfgang Egger. Its dimensions are 4800/1875/1460 mm with a wheelbase of 2920 mm. For clarity, the Seal is 87 mm longer, 48 mm wider, and 20 mm higher than the BMW 3 Series. It has a 15.6-inch rotatable screen, a 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster, and a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system.
In Europe, the BYD Seal has two powertrain variants. The entry-level model has a single electric motor on the rear axle for 313 hp. Blade LFP battery powers it with 172 cells and a capacity of 82.5 kWh. The range of the RWD Seal reaches 570 km (WLTP). The top-trim BYD Seal has two e-motors for 530 hp and the same battery for 520 km of WLTP range.
Briefly on Volvo EX30
The Volvo EX30 is a small electric SUV that stands on the SEA platform developed by Geely Group under the lead of Kent Bovellan. It follows Volvo’s distinguishing design language with Thor Hummer running lights. The EX30’s dimensions are 4233/1838/1555 mm, with a wheelbase of 2650 mm. Inside, the EX30 has a portrait-oriented screen.
The entry-level Volvo EX30 has an electric motor for 268 hp paired with a 69-kWh LFP battery, good for 480 km of WLTP range. The twin-motor version has 422 horses and the same pack for a 460 km range.
A Chinese car has a real chance of becoming the winner of The Car of the Year in Europe in 2024. After further test drives, 59 journalists from 22 countries will vote for the best vehicle of the year. As mentioned, the winner will be announced at the Geneva Motor Show on February 26.
Source: CotY
